Module: 01: A Simple Litter System
(c) 2003 by O.Conrad
Menu: Simulation > Ecology > Modelling the Human Impact on Nature
Description
A simple litter system model using the euler method. Carbon storage C is calculated in dependency of litter fall rate (Cinput) and rate constant for litter loss (Closs) as:
C(t + 1) = C(t) + (Cinput - Closs * C(t)) * dt

Typical values:

- Tropical Rainforest:
-- Litter fall rate: 500 [g/m²/a]
-- Litter loss rate: 2.0 [1/a]

- Temperate forest:
-- Litter fall rate: 240 [g/m²/a]
-- Litter loss rate: 0.4 [1/a]

- Boreal forest:
-- Litter fall rate: 50 [g/m²/a]
-- Litter loss rate: 0.05 [1/a]

Reference:
Hugget, R.J. (1993): 'Modelling the Human Impact on Nature', Oxford University Press.

Parameters
NameTypeIdentifierDescriptionConstraints
Output
ResultsTable (output)TABLE
Options
Time SpanFloating pointTIME_SPANMinimum: 0.000000
Time Interval [a]Floating pointTIME_STEPMinimum: 0.000000
Initial Litter Storage [g/m²]Floating pointC_INITMinimum: 0.000000
Litterfall Rate [g/m²/a]Floating pointC_INPUTMinimum: 0.000000
Rate Constant for Litter Loss [1/a]Floating pointC_OUTPUTMinimum: 0.000000